Congratulations to John Nardizzi for the recent release of his newest book, “The Burden of Innocence.” John’s ability to capture the thoughts and feelings of Sam Langford, a man convicted of a horrific crime that he did not commit, is masterful. As I read, I was moved by John’s depiction of Langford’s journey through the criminal justice system and his desperate struggle for innocence. The very first chapter conjured surprising emotions when my thoughts were transported back to the very first time I was placed in the back of a prison van. My wrists in cuffs and chained to my waist. My pleas of innocence ignored as the leg irons bit deeply into the tender skin of my ankles. You see, I attempted to walk with the stride of free man. It was a stark and painful lesson in being accused and confined. I quickly learned to take short, shuffling steps, much like the undead, to avoid the sharp pain. The guards laughed and shoved me when they realized I was trying to avoid the tearing of flesh by the cold steal. A lesson learned, but the emptiness and fear was suppressed. Only an accomplished writer, writing with the knowledge gained from working with the wrongly convicted, could have awakened that emotion and so skillfully captured the pain, hope, and fears of a man imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.

Continuing the journey, John brings the reader on a disturbing ride with the main character, Private Investigator Ray Infantino, through Boston’s underworld, while confronting the city’s corrupt Police Department. John’s practical knowledge and first-hand experience shine through bringing realism to his writing. Infantino is relatable, and the story believable because of John’s ability to tell a story that could have easily been pulled from the headlines of Boston’s troubled history. 

On a personal note, my family and I want to thank John for his dedication to helping us and the others wrongly convicted. His commitment to fighting for those so desperate for help is beyond admirable. Seeing my name on the dedication page of John’s book was heartwarming and moving and renewed our hope that our day is coming. The other men listed on that page with me have all been exonerated and are free. We are hopeful that it will soon be our turn. ODC